Robert Frost’s Fire and Ice is a renowned, extraordinary poem that explores the opposing forces that govern human nature – passion and reason. Through an ingenious juxtaposition of heavy symbolism and imagery, Frost depicts the desire and fury of love as an intense, ever-burning fire and hate and indifference as a destructive, icy force. Comparing the two in terms of their consequences upon the world, Frost postulates in the three short couplets whether extinction through love or apathy would result in a more severe outcome for nature.
The poem draws upon the ancient Greek idea of a dichotomy between the opposing elements of fire and ice. Each element simultaneously can signify the extremes of life – good and evil, pleasure and pain, love and hate, pleasure and despair. It is the clash between these extremes that Frost views as being the great tragedy of life. He writes, “My guess is about as good as yours.” Frost is stating that ultimately, the consequences of love and hate can never be predicted; sometimes love brings destruction, and sometimes hate brings tranquility.
Frost’s choice of words and figurative language help to create an evocative atmosphere within the poem. He employs rudimentary poetic devices such as alliteration and personification, to further emphasize the chaotic power of one’s emotions and the importance of maintaining balance between them. By juxtaposing the contrasting images of fire and ice, Frost is able to illustrate the conflicting natures of love and hate. He also implies that it is essential to effectively manage these emotions, as to not let them get out of control.
